Both the CPD and the Trib estimated the JUF/Jewish Federation rally in Federal Plaza at 5000, and that's the figure the JUF is publicizing. Other press estimates were around 3,500. Several participants estimated turnout for the counter picket at about 150. The JUF rally was part of a nationally coordinated series of Zionist mobilizations in major cities across the country designed to shore up support for the latest Israeli attacks on Lebanon and Gaza, and many of their participants came in from suburban communities.

In New York, a similar rally of several thousand (NYT) was held across the street from UN headquarters and sponsored by the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations and Jewish Community Relations Council of NYC. Promotion for this rally included a 1/2 page ad in the NYT. Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) was among the keynote speakers and gave a rousing endorsement of the Israeli war effort.

Politicians on the JUF stage at Federal Plaza in Chicago included Republican Congressman and neocon darling Mark Kirk; Illinois Attorney General and Democrat Lisa Madigan; State Treasurer and Republican candidate for Governor, Judy Baar Topinka; and State Senators Jeff Schoenberg and Ira Silverstein.

Arab-American and Muslim groups meeting to discuss a mass community initiated rally in the near future. Details to follow.